I am just glad to be born Catholic.

I didn't know it was the anniversary of the dedication of the national shrine of Saint Joseph here in the Philippines to the Divine Mercy. I just thought I would hear Mass this evening coming from a long day in the health center for my medical check up. It has always been routine for me to drop by the shrine to hear Mass whenever I go somewhere or come from work. But this evening is a very spectacular moment for me.

This isn't taken from the shrine here in my place. I didn't have my camera at the time. I just got this from the Internet. Nevertheless, the image is the same except for the location and the people. The procession was held indoors here in our place at around eight in the evening.

I was dismayed because I was not able to start the Mass. When I arrived, it was almost time for consecration. So I savored the moment I have with the Lord at Mass. And the Lord never failed to amaze me. At the end of the Mass was the chaplet of Divine Mercy. It was followed by a solemn procession and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 

As the priest passed around the vicinity of the shrine carrying the blessed host, I remembered the time of  Moses in the book of Exodus. I remembered having read in the bible how the Israelites carried the Ark of the Covenant as they journeyed to the promised land. It was truly a very solemn celebration. The presence of the Lord was very real. I could not stop myself from shedding tears and falling facedown when the priest and the acolytes passed by me with the Blessed Sacrament. I didn't know why I was crying but it felt great. It was like instant absolution from all my sins. I felt very much light - hearted afterwards. It made me say to myself that I am glad I am Catholic or I may never be able to experience anything like this.